Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor is seeking a Student Support Specialist for the 2023-2024 School Year. Our school is looking for someone who values authentic relationships, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work. This position is a full-time position serving students and faculty from our Early Childhood Program through our High School. We are seeking someone who is passionate about supporting neurodiverse children and an educational support program.  

Waldorf education was created to offer a multi-sensory and holistic approach to education that strives to acknowledge the gifts and struggles of every individual. This pedagogy works to meet the developmental needs of children as it supports children’s academic, social and emotional health through critical thinking, creativity, arts, and movement. We believe children need less memorization and testing, and instead, more connection and hands on learning- inspired by the truth, beauty, and wisdom of our world. The education was also founded on the principle that faculty should play an active role in governance and decision making, as they are the ones who are serving the community. To find out more about this unique approach, visit the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. 

This individual will work with our Care Coordinating Circle, which is comprised of some teachers, administration, and the Student Support Specialist. Throughout the year this position will also work with our mental health support providers, and our pedagogical and administrative leaders on both campuses to ensure that our students with individual educational needs are well supported and provided with the appropriate accommodations, resources, and referrals during their school years. They will also work with observations and assessments of children throughout our grade school program in collaboration with our class teachers. 

As a community, we continue to hold the question of how to best meet the children of today through a pedagogy that upholds the dignity of each human being, and what we must reimagine to do so. It is important to us that our teachers feel supported through mentoring, interactions with one another, and by our healthy and supportive administrative staff. We value the insights from Waldorf education and respect research and practices that continue to support healthy development in children. Our school will work to support continued development of the Student Support Specialist through professional development in areas such as Orton Gillingham training, Waldorf workshops, Bal-a-visx, and other wonderful training institutions. 

We support our students and teachers through a strong curriculum, schedules, festivals, and school-wide collaboration. We offer both Spanish and German from first to twelfth grade, a growing movement program, strong fine and practical arts, choral and instrumental music. We celebrate a wide mix of traditional festivals from around the world, including Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Day of the Dead, Lunar New Year, and Eid. The faculty meets weekly and studies various topics. We have a strong and active faculty, and over the past year we have worked with Alma Partners to develop our work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

The Lower School Campus is on 12 wooded and grassy acres, housing our Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grades and currently enrolls nearly 220 students. The campus is set in a suburban neighborhood, close to the river. Our High School campus is a short drive away, with an average of 18-28 students per grade, located a few from downtown Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan and hospital. More about our school can be found at https://www.steinerschool.org. 

Outside of our campus, the extended Ann Arbor area offers the richness and diversity of a university town with a small-town feel. It has many events, festivals, art, music, dance, and social activities throughout the year. Ann Arbor is rich in natural landscapes, providing many scenic parks along the river and nearby lakes. We are a forty-minute drive from the culture of Detroit, which offers the richness of an urban center, museums, and cultural connections. Michigan’s watersheds and the Great Lakes offer wonderful places to visit and vacation. To see more about Ann Arbor, visit Michigan's Guide to Ann Arbor.

Compensation 

We offer an equitable salary structure, with a range from $41,000 to $60,000. Our benefits package includes health insurance, base and matching 503b contributions, life/disability insurance and tuition remission. For candidates moving to Ann Arbor, we offer some relocation support.  

Job Requirements 

The ideal candidate is an advocate for neurodiversity as well as passionate about fostering children’s capacities. They should hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher), have teaching experience, and want to be a part of a Waldorf school. Experience in Student Support is expected. We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive community and encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume, three references and a short biographical sketch or cover letter. We are accepting applications until May 19, 2023. Please send materials and any questions to Elizabeth Kozisek at ekozisek@steinerschool.org.